Illinois Department of Agriculture

The successes by farmers and the accomplishments by the state’s Department of Agriculture were highlighted to open the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable.

A support system is available to help the Illinois farming community. “The farmer mental health initiative is incredibly important,” said Krista Lisser, public information officer at Illinois Department of Agriculture, at the Conservation Cropping Seminar.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture shared accomplishments made in 2022 to support the state’s No. 1 industry.

When it comes to showing the benefits of cover crops, for Joey Deloian of the Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District, the proof is in the planting.

Local food and specialty crop growers are joining forces for Illinois’ largest conference focused on bolstering the local food supply chain.

For the past year, Thomas Titus has added “president” to his already lengthy list of titles that include dad, husband, showpig producer and pork producer. Titus has served as president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Illinois will use $14.4 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to buy locally produced food and distribute it to those in need, according to state officials.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, along with University of Illinois Extension, is hosting its annual Certified Livestock Manager Training.

The Illinois Soybean Association hosted its first ever Impact Awards banquet. The evening was full of celebration, recognition and reflecting upon everything ISA has been able to accomplish in 2022.

Despite a rough start weather-wise and higher prices for fertilizer and other supplies, farmers appear to be doing OK this season as a late harvest gets into full swing.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services worked jointly to secure U.S. Department of Agriculture funding that provides new opportunities for underserved farmers and communities.

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program remains a trusted resource for children to learn about agriculture, and the program recently received funding to continue classroom lessons thanks to IAA Foundation grants to local county coalitions.

Many Illinois farmers, including myself, are eagerly waiting to see how this year’s crop turns out. That’s the name of the game when it comes to farming: You make the best management decisions you can, learn from previous harvests and look to improve next year’s results.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the approval of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and Conservation Planning Assistance grant agreement.

Farmers were encouraged to give cover crops a try at the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Nutrient Loss Stewardship Field Day.